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Teeth whitening in practice

A whiter smile can sometimes boost your confidence, especially if you feel self-conscious about the colour of your teeth. Knowing how and where to get your teeth whitened safely and effectively is not always obvious. Many of our Bupa Dental Care practices use Philips Zoom! professional teeth whitening, which can whiten your teeth in practice, in as little as one hour‡. You’ll also have the reassurance of being treated by one of our qualified dentists.

Teeth whitening is one of the most commonly requested cosmetic dental treatments. We offer both in- practice and at-home whitening options.

What are the benefits of whitening at the practice?

Following an initial consultation† with your dentist, when you have your Philips Zoom! treatment, it takes an hour, as part of a two-hour appointment, so you’ll just sit back and relax while your dentist takes care of everything. We’ll also give you some top-up trays to use at home to help maintain your whiter smile.

How does in-practice teeth whitening work?

Step 1 – Book a check-up

Your dentist will make sure your teeth and gums are healthy enough for whitening. They’ll also talk to you about the shade of white you want to achieve. If everything looks fine, they’ll take impressions of your teeth so they can make your custom trays to use at home.

Step 2 – Whiten your teeth on the spot

When your trays are ready, you’ll come back for your whitening session. Your dentist will first protect your gums before applying the whitening solution and then switch on the special blue lamp, which activates the solution. The whitening is done in four 15-minute sessions, but you’ll need to allow two hours for the whole appointment.

Step 3 – Protect your new smile

Before you leave, your dentist will give you your top-up kit and explain how to use it at home. They’ll also discuss how to hold onto your brighter smile. This includes regular deep cleaning and polishing with our hygienist, effective cleaning at home, and cutting down on smoking or drinks that can stain your teeth.

Teeth Whitening with Jamie Lowe

Watch Jamie Lowe, TV presenter get the treatment and see his results

Teeth Whitening with Jamie Lowe

What’s the difference between whitening at the practice and at home?

Teeth whitening at a dental practice

You’ll need a check-up with your dentist first.

We’ll make custom trays to fit your teeth, which you’ll take home with you.

We’ll use a bleaching solution.

The solution will be activated by a special blue light.

You’ll need a single whitening session, as part of an appointment lasting up to two hours.

The whitening process takes one hour.

At the end of the session, your teeth will be up to six shades whiter‡.

We’ll give you some top-up trays and gel to help maintain your bright new smile.

Home teeth whitening kit

You’ll need a check-up with your dentist first.

We’ll make custom trays to fit your teeth, which you’ll take home with you.

You’ll also take home some bleaching gel.

You’ll wear the trays and gel for up to eight hours a day (it’s convenient to do this overnight).

The whitening process takes several days or up to a few weeks.

At the end of the treatment, your teeth will be up to six shades whiter‡.

You can get top-ups to help maintain your bright new smile.

Your dentist will discuss your best teeth whitening options with you before you start any treatment.

Search for a Bupa Dental Care practice offering teeth whitening

More helpful information about teeth whitening

You’ll want to know as much as you can about teeth whitening and which option might be best for you.

Looking for a home whitening kit?

If you prefer, and if your dentist says you’re suitable, you could opt for a whitening kit to use at home. This will lighten your teeth over several days or weeks.

FAQs

†Teeth whitening treatment is not suitable for every patient and is subject to the patient's oral health. Prior to whitening treatment commencing, patients will need a dental examination from their dentist to confirm their teeth and gums are healthy and fit for whitening treatment. This dental examination is a separate charge in addition to the costs of the whitening treatment.